In an interview, Siamak Shojaei discussed the role of subsidies in the economy. The Deputy Minister of Oil of Iran announced that the government paid 90 trillion dollars in subsidies this year for petroleum products such as gasoline, oil, liquefied gas, and fuel oil. Mr. Aghaei, the Minister of Oil of the Islamic Republic, stated that if subsidies had been utilized for job creation, 90,000 jobs would have been created this year. Our reporter asked Dr. Siamak Shojaei about the role of subsidies in the economy and received responses that you can hear here.
❓ Unknown
Interview with Siamak Shojaei on the Role of Subsidies in the Economy - 2002-07-11
Feb 12, 2026
February 12, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
The Iranian Deputy Minister of Oil announced a significant expenditure on subsidies for petroleum products, highlighting a missed opportunity for job creation. Siamak Shojaei provided insights on the economic implications of these subsidies. This discussion is crucial as it reflects ongoing economic challenges in Iran.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The Iranian government's substantial spending on subsidies highlights economic mismanagement and missed opportunities for job creation.
👥 Key Players
Siamak Shojaei
MENTIONED
Deputy Minister of Oil of Iran
"As a government official, he plays a crucial role in shaping Iran's energy policies and economic strategies."
Mr. Aghaei
MENTIONED
Minister of Oil of the Islamic Republic
"He oversees the oil sector, which is vital for Iran's economy and revenue generation."
📰 What Happened
In an interview, Siamak Shojaei revealed that the Iranian government spent 90 trillion dollars on subsidies for petroleum products this year, indicating a significant economic burden. He also noted that these subsidies could have created 90,000 jobs if allocated differently.
- The Iranian government paid 90 trillion dollars in subsidies for petroleum products.
- The Minister of Oil suggested that these subsidies could have resulted in the creation of 90,000 jobs.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: The discussion on subsidies is critical for Iran as it reflects the government's economic strategy and its implications for employment and public welfare.
🌍 Regional: Economic instability in Iran can have spillover effects on regional stability and energy markets.
🌐 International: Internationally, the management of subsidies and economic policies in Iran can influence foreign investment and relations, especially concerning sanctions.
📚 Background
Iran's economy is heavily dependent on oil revenues, and subsidies are a common tool used by the government to manage prices and support citizens. However, they can also lead to economic inefficiencies.
Iranian economy
Subsidy policies
📡 Source:
STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence:
70%
As a government interview, the information may reflect official narratives and should be interpreted with caution regarding potential bias.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
📰 Related Coverage
Just now •
Pezeshkian Celebrates 200 Nights of Rallies, Affirms Support for Armed Forces
7 min ago •
Iran's President Pezeshkian Advocates for Diplomatic Resolution of Issues with Neighbors
27 min ago •
Iran War Financial Burden on the U.S. Exceeds $38 Billion
27 min ago •
Machine Learning System Enhances Cancer Cell Detection Through Light Scattering Analysis
27 min ago •